TEX Rail (Tarrant Express Rail), Texas – Railway Technology

This article explores the TEX Rail (Tarrant Express Rail) project, a significant commuter rail initiative in Tarrant County, Texas. The project, initially conceived as the Southwest-to-Northeast Rail Corridor, aimed to address growing transportation needs in the region by providing a vital link between Southwest Fort Worth and the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFWIA). This involved not only the construction of a new commuter rail line but also significant upgrades to existing infrastructure, the procurement of new rolling stock (diesel multiple units – DMUs), and the development of numerous strategically located stations. The project’s success hinges on its ability to seamlessly integrate with existing transportation networks, enhancing regional connectivity and providing a sustainable, efficient alternative to road travel. This analysis will delve into the project’s planning, construction, operational aspects, and its projected impact on the regional transportation landscape, examining its challenges and successes.

Project Planning and Development

The TEX Rail project, initiated in 2006, underwent a rigorous planning process. This involved extensive environmental impact assessments (EIS), securing necessary federal funding through the US Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and finalizing detailed engineering designs. The project’s scope evolved, transitioning from initial proposals to a phased implementation strategy. Phase one focused on the core section connecting Downtown Fort Worth’s T&P Station to DFWIA, with future phases planned to extend service southwest to Sycamore School Road. The selection of DMUs, a decision driven by cost-effectiveness and the existing non-electrified rail infrastructure, proved crucial in maintaining the project’s financial viability. The extensive stakeholder engagement throughout the planning phase, including consultations with the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T), Union Pacific Railroad, and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE), ensured effective integration with pre-existing railway networks.

Infrastructure Development and Station Construction

The construction phase, commencing in 2016, involved not only the laying of new tracks but also substantial modifications to existing rail lines utilized by Fort Worth and Western Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad, and DART’s Cotton Belt line. The creation of 14 new stations, each requiring significant land acquisition and development (6-12 acres per station), presented logistical challenges. These stations were designed to incorporate park-and-ride facilities, integrating seamlessly with local road networks and encouraging modal shift from private vehicles to public transport. The integration of TEX Rail with existing transport hubs, such as the Intermodal Transportation Centre (ITC) and the T&P station (both utilized by TRE), further enhanced the system’s accessibility and overall effectiveness. The design of each station emphasized ease of access for passengers with disabilities, providing a high standard of customer service.

Rolling Stock and Operations

TEX Rail’s operational strategy is centered around the use of eight DMU trainsets, chosen for their cost-effectiveness and suitability for the existing infrastructure. The selection of DMUs signifies a practical approach, optimizing cost while maintaining operational efficiency. The planned operational frequency—30-minute intervals during peak hours and 60-minute intervals during off-peak hours—demonstrates a commitment to providing adequate service to meet anticipated demand. The projected ridership of 18,000 daily trips by 2035 highlights the potential of TEX Rail to significantly impact regional transportation. The collaboration with companies like CH2M HILL (program management), Anil Verma Associates (project management oversight), and URS Corporation (preliminary engineering) underscores the project’s reliance on industry expertise.

Integration and Regional Connectivity

The success of TEX Rail rests heavily on its integration with existing transportation networks. Its connections to DART’s Orange Line (serving North Dallas and Downtown Dallas) and the Cotton Belt commuter rail line (connecting to Richardson and Plano) significantly enhance its regional impact. Similarly, the links to TRE services in Downtown Fort Worth facilitate seamless transfers for passengers traveling further afield. This integrated approach avoids the creation of a transport ‘silo’, maximizing the utility of the system and promoting multi-modal journeys. The careful consideration given to intermodal transfers, along with the well-planned locations of stations, is crucial for attracting riders and ensuring the long-term viability of the TEX Rail service.

Project Summary Table

Conclusions

The TEX Rail project represents a significant investment in public transportation infrastructure within the rapidly growing Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Its successful completion and integration into the existing transportation network marks a considerable achievement in enhancing regional mobility. The project’s phased approach, coupled with its careful planning and integration with existing rail lines and transport hubs, has ensured a more cost-effective and efficient development process. The choice of DMUs, while a departure from traditional electrification projects, proved to be a fiscally responsible decision that aligns with the existing infrastructure. The project’s future success hinges on achieving its projected ridership figures, demonstrating a tangible shift towards public transportation. This will require continuous monitoring of passenger demand, adjustments to operational schedules as needed, and proactive measures to address potential challenges relating to infrastructure maintenance and service reliability. The long-term success of TEX Rail will be a key indicator of the effectiveness of large-scale public transit projects in managing population growth and improving regional connectivity.

The significant investment in the TEX Rail project showcases a commitment to providing alternative transport solutions. The substantial federal, state, and local funding indicates a collaborative effort towards improving the region’s public transportation capabilities. While the project has encountered cost increases and schedule adjustments, the overall successful completion to date demonstrates effective project management and a determined focus on delivering improved regional transport. Ultimately, the efficacy of TEX Rail will be judged by its long-term impacts, influencing future decisions on transport investments and shaping the region’s approach to sustainable transportation planning. The lessons learned from this project can serve as a valuable case study for future commuter rail development, particularly in addressing integration with pre-existing rail infrastructure, and the careful consideration of rolling stock selection based on budgetary constraints and operational realities.

Company Information:

• Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T): The local transit agency responsible for planning, developing, and operating TEX Rail.
• CH2M HILL: (Acquired by Jacobs Engineering Group) Provided program management consulting services for the project.
• Anil Verma Associates: Served as the project management oversight consultant (PMOC) for the FTA.
• URS Corporation: (Acquired by AECOM) Led the team providing preliminary engineering for TEX Rail.
• AWH Joint Venture: Contracted by FWTA for pre-construction services.
• Union Pacific Railroad & Fort Worth and Western Railroad: Existing freight rail operators whose lines were used for parts of the TEX Rail route.
• Trinity Railway Express (TRE): Existing commuter rail system that shares stations with TEX Rail in Downtown Fort Worth.
• Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART): Operates the Cotton Belt rail line which connects to TEX Rail at DFW Airport.
• Capital Metro: A separate rapid transit system operating in Austin, Texas, mentioned for comparison.